Otterhound
The Good
- Excellent family companion with gentle, loving nature
- Outstanding swimming ability and water confidence
- Intelligent and eager to please during training
- Good with children when properly socialised
- Naturally friendly and affectionate temperament
The Real
- Requires substantial daily exercise (minimum 2 hours)
- Can be boisterous and may accidentally knock over small children
- Prone to loud baying, especially when bored or anxious
- Needs regular grooming to prevent matting
- Strong scent drive can lead them into trouble if not contained
Breed Overview
The Otterhound is truly one of Australia's most unique canine companions - a gentle giant with a heart as big as their impressive frame. Originally bred in medieval England for otter hunting, these magnificent hounds bring together the perfect storm of athleticism, affection, and adventure-seeking spirit that many Australian families absolutely adore.
What makes Otterhounds special is their incredible versatility. They're equally at home splashing through Queensland creeks or hiking the Blue Mountains trails, thanks to their webbed feet and waterproof double coat. Standing up to 69 centimetres tall and weighing up to 52 kilograms, they're substantial dogs that command attention wherever they go - but it's their gentle, loving nature that truly wins hearts.
These dogs are natural comedians with a tendency to try squeezing their large frames into your lap, completely oblivious to their size. They're incredibly social creatures who form deep bonds with their families and genuinely suffer when left alone for extended periods. This makes them perfect for active Australian households where someone's usually around, but perhaps not ideal for busy professionals who travel frequently.
Their intelligence shines through in training, though they can be sensitive souls who respond best to positive reinforcement rather than harsh corrections. With proper socialisation from puppyhood, they're fantastic with children and other pets, making them excellent additions to established Australian families looking for a loyal, adventure-ready companion.
History
History
The Otterhound's story reads like a chapter from medieval England, where these magnificent hounds were developed specifically to hunt otters that were decimating valuable fish stocks in rivers and stocked ponds. This wasn't just any hunting - it was a noble pursuit favoured by kings and country squires who needed to protect their precious food sources.
Unlike fox hunting, which captured the public imagination, otter hunting remained a more exclusive sport of the nobility. The work required dogs with extraordinary capabilities: they needed to track an otter's scent trail through water, sometimes following trails that were hours or even a day old. This demanded an incredibly sensitive nose, powerful swimming ability, and the stamina to work in harsh aquatic conditions for extended periods.
These hounds were meticulously bred to excel in water. Their webbed feet, waterproof double coat, broad chest, and powerful shoulders made them virtually unstoppable in aquatic environments. They could take on a fully-grown otter - no small feat considering these prey animals could weigh 9 kilograms and possessed razor-sharp claws and teeth.
The breed's fate changed dramatically when otter hunting was outlawed due to the near-extinction of river otters. Suddenly, there was no practical need for these specialised hunters, and the breed's numbers plummeted. The American Kennel Club recognised the Otterhound in 1909, but by then, the breed was already becoming increasingly rare.
Today, Otterhounds are considered one of the world's most endangered dog breeds - rarer than Giant Pandas. This scarcity makes them particularly special for Australian owners lucky enough to share their lives with these gentle giants.
Traits & Characteristics
Otterhound characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Otterhounds are generally robust dogs for their size, with most living healthy lives spanning 10-13 years. However, like many large breeds, they do face some specific health challenges that Australian owners should understand before bringing one home.
The most serious concern is bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and potentially twists, cutting off blood supply to internal organs. Large, deep-chested breeds like Otterhounds are particularly susceptible. Watch for signs like pacing, distended abdomen, vomiting after eating, excessive drooling, or decreased appetite. If you notice these symptoms, get to your nearest emergency vet immediately - this isn't something to wait and see about.
Hip dysplasia is another inherited condition affecting this breed. The thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint, causing pain and arthritis over time. Reputable Australian breeders screen their breeding dogs through hip evaluations, so always ask for health clearances when considering a puppy. Early detection through specialised X-rays can help manage the condition effectively.
Primary epilepsy can develop in young Otterhounds (typically 1-4 years old), causing seizures with no identifiable underlying cause. While concerning for owners, this condition is usually manageable with long-term anti-seizure medications prescribed by your vet.
A rare bleeding disorder called Glanzmann thrombasthenia affects some Otterhounds, preventing proper blood clotting. Dogs with this condition can bleed excessively from minor injuries or during routine procedures like dental work.
Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and choosing a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs are your best defences against these conditions.
Feeding an Otterhound properly is crucial for their development and long-term health, especially given their substantial size and growth patterns. These gentle giants have specific nutritional needs that change significantly from puppyhood through their senior years.
Otterhound puppies experience rapid growth spurts and need high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds until they're 12 months old. This specialised nutrition provides the extra calories and balanced nutrients necessary for proper bone and joint development. Never rush to adult food - their growing bodies need this extra support.
Once they reach adulthood, gradually transition to a premium adult formula designed for large breeds. Look for foods that meet nutritional guidelines - quality dog foods will clearly state this on their packaging. In Australia, you'll find excellent local and international brands that cater specifically to large breed requirements.
These dogs do best with twice-daily feeding - morning and evening meals help prevent overeating and reduce the risk of bloat. If your Otterhound gobbles their food too quickly, invest in a slow-feeding bowl or puzzle feeder. This simple step can significantly reduce their risk of digestive upset and the serious condition of gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Portion control is essential. Follow the feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging, but remember these are starting points. Your Australian vet can provide more specific recommendations based on your dog's age, activity level, and body condition. Active dogs swimming regularly at Australian beaches or hiking our national parks may need slightly more calories than couch potatoes.
Keep treats to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake, and always have fresh water available - especially important in Australia's warm climate.
The Otterhound's distinctive shaggy double coat is both their crowning glory and your regular responsibility. This weatherproof coat protected them during long hunting expeditions in harsh conditions, but in your Australian home, it needs consistent care to stay healthy and manageable.
Plan on brushing your Otterhound once or twice weekly using a good slicker brush and medium comb. This isn't just about appearance - regular brushing prevents painful matting and removes debris that seems to magically accumulate in their coat during outdoor adventures. If you're living near Australian bushland or taking regular beach walks, you might find yourself brushing more frequently to remove sand, leaves, and the occasional stick.
Pay special attention to their beard area, which tends to collect everything from food particles to garden debris. Many Otterhound owners in Australia joke about the "snack storage system" their dog's facial hair provides - but regular cleaning keeps this area hygienic and prevents skin irritation.
Unlike some breeds, Otterhounds don't require professional grooming appointments. Their coat is meant to be kept long and natural for protection during outdoor activities. However, you might want to trim around their feet and sanitary areas for cleanliness, especially if you're dealing with muddy conditions during Australian winter months.
Bathing should be done as needed rather than on a schedule. Their coat naturally repels dirt, so frequent baths can strip essential oils. However, after particularly muddy bush walks or beach adventures, a good wash might be necessary.
Don't forget their ears! Those lovely floppy ears can trap moisture, especially after swimming sessions. Clean them every 2-3 weeks with a vet-recommended ear cleaner containing a drying agent, and always after swimming or bathing.
Training an Otterhound requires understanding their sensitive nature combined with their substantial exercise needs. These gentle giants are eager to please but can be surprisingly sensitive to harsh corrections, so positive reinforcement training works best. Think praise, treats, and patience rather than firm discipline.
Start training early - a 50-kilogram adult Otterhound with poor manners is nobody's friend. Focus immediately on teaching them not to jump up on people. Their boisterous, loving nature means they want to greet everyone enthusiastically, but accidentally knocking over a child or elderly visitor isn't acceptable. Consistent training from puppyhood prevents these issues.
Exercise is non-negotiable with this breed - they need a minimum of two hours daily, and this isn't just a gentle stroll around the block. These dogs were bred for stamina and endurance, so they thrive on activities like long bush walks, swimming sessions at Australian beaches, hiking in national parks, or even agility training. Many Australian owners find their Otterhounds excel in tracking activities, which perfectly suits their scent hound heritage.
Their powerful nose can lead them into trouble, so always exercise them in securely fenced areas or on-leash. In Australian suburban areas, this is particularly important - their scent drive is so strong they'll follow interesting smells regardless of traffic or other dangers.
Mental stimulation is equally important. Bored Otterhounds can become destructive or develop excessive barking habits. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and new experiences keep their intelligent minds engaged.
Consider enrolling in puppy socialisation classes, basic obedience, and ongoing training activities. Many Australian dog clubs offer tracking or scent work classes that perfectly suit the Otterhound's natural abilities while providing excellent mental and physical exercise.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Otterhound owner in Australia is someone who genuinely embraces an active lifestyle and has the space and time to meet this breed's substantial needs. These aren't dogs for apartment living or busy professionals who work long hours - they need families who can provide consistent companionship and plenty of exercise opportunities.
Ideal owners have access to secure outdoor spaces, whether that's a large fenced backyard in suburban Perth or acreage in regional areas. However, space alone isn't enough - these dogs need interactive exercise with their families. They're perfect for Australian families who enjoy weekend camping trips, regular beach visits, bush walking, or any outdoor adventures where a four-legged companion is welcome.
Experience with large breeds is beneficial but not essential, provided you're committed to proper training from day one. First-time owners can succeed with Otterhounds, but you need to understand the commitment involved in training a large, strong dog with a mind of their own.
Families with children often do wonderfully with Otterhounds, but younger children require supervision until the dog learns appropriate behaviour around small people. Their gentle nature makes them excellent family pets, but their size means accidents can happen during enthusiastic play sessions.
Consider your neighbours, too. Otterhounds can be vocal, especially when bored or anxious. If you're in a suburban Australian neighbourhood with close neighbours, you'll need to address their exercise and mental stimulation needs to prevent excessive barking or baying.
The breed suits households where someone is home most of the time, as they can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. FIFO workers or families with demanding travel schedules might want to consider other breeds unless they have strong support systems in place.
Interesting facts about the Otterhound
Interesting Fact
The Otterhound is rarer than the Giant Panda, with fewer than 800 individuals worldwide
Interesting Fact
Their sense of smell is so acute they could track an otter's scent trail through water from the night before
Interesting Fact
Otterhounds were one of the foundation breeds used to develop the Airedale Terrier
Interesting Fact
The largest populations exist in the UK and US, with smaller numbers in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada
FAQ
Yes, Otterhounds make excellent family pets when properly trained from a young age. They're naturally affectionate and gentle, but their large size means they need early training to prevent accidentally knocking over small children during enthusiastic greetings.
These active dogs require at least two hours of exercise daily. This isn't just a casual walk - they need activities like long hikes, swimming sessions, or vigorous play. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop excessive barking habits.
Not really. Their large size, exercise needs, and tendency to bay loudly make them better suited to homes with yards and understanding neighbours. They thrive in suburban or rural Australian settings where they have space to move and explore safely.
Brush your Otterhound once or twice weekly to prevent matting and remove debris from their coat. Their beard may need more frequent cleaning, and their ears should be cleaned every 2-3 weeks, plus after swimming sessions.
Absolutely! Their webbed feet and waterproof coat make them natural swimmers. They love Australian beaches and water activities, but always supervise them around strong currents or unfamiliar water conditions for safety.
Finding one! They're incredibly rare worldwide. Beyond that, meeting their substantial exercise needs and managing their vocal nature in suburban neighbourhoods are the main challenges Australian owners face.